Leukaemia trust offers respite for local cancer patients

A local cancer charity is offering local leukaemia patients ‘a weekend away from it all’ to rest and relax with their families.

Cancer patients on Laurel 3, the haematology ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, are being given free breaks to the award-winning Farncombe estate in the Cotswolds.

The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust was founded in memory of Tracy Sollis, who lost her brave battle against leukaemia in 1995. The Evesham-based charity aims to relieve sickness, suffering and distress of those suffering from leukaemia.

Leukaemia is cancer of the white blood cells. Over 8000 people are diagnosed with leukaemia in the UK every year.

Tracy’s mum and founder of the trust, Sue Sollis said: “Tracy’s main wish was to help others. She’s my inspiration for everything we have done as a charity. Thanks to the support and donations we receive, we are able to help so many others with their treatment and care.”

Pete James, Specialist Nurse Practitioner said: “We have received so much support from the Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust over the years.

“These breaks are close enough for our patients to travel too. I’ve known many patients who have had to cancel holidays away because they were so dependent on blood transfusions that they couldn’t get away for more than a few days.”

Forty-year-old Antony Fessey, from Worcester, is one of the patients benefiting from a complimentary weekend away.

Antony was diagnosed a year ago after discovering several bruises had appeared on his body. After visiting his GP and following blood and bone marrow tests, it was confirmed that he had leukaemia.

He said: “Things moved pretty quickly from when I first went to my GP. I took a few weeks off work to get over the initial shock of my diagnosis.

“Luckily the medication I am on is working for me, allowing me to carry on with my life. I’m back at work now and keeping positive about my condition. I am grateful for the friendliness and helpfulness of staff in the hospital, they’ve really helped me understand and manage my leukaemia. Hopefully I’m on the mend now.

“This weekend away will be so good for me and my family. It gives us all something to look forward too, which is so important.”

4ward is our Trustwide culture change programme which is helping us build a more positive, supportive workplace for the benefit of our patients and colleagues. At its heart are our four 4ward Behaviours.